UN Secretary-General's 'Deep Concern' Over Normalization of Chemical Attacks in Syria

The UN Secretary-General, alongside the monthly report from the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), has sent a letter to the Security Council expressing 'serious' concern about the normalization of chemical weapon use in Syria and its potential 'international consequences' in the future. This new concern from the Secretary-General comes as various reports of chemical weapon use in Syria have recently emerged; a topic that brought the Syrian government to the brink of confrontation with the US and its allies in 2013. The Secretary-General warns that he is 'deeply concerned' that the use of these weapons in Syria could become 'a common occurrence in this (Syrian internal) war or another war, now and in the future.' Ban Ki-moon emphasized the importance of holding those responsible for the use of such weapons accountable for their actions. This letter reflects the international official's concern regarding the recent report from the OPCW. The OPCW is currently investigating four cases of 'widespread' chemical weapon use during the period from September 23 to October 22. At the request of the Syrian central government, the organization is also investigating similar reports from August in the city of Aleppo. Recently, this international organization stated that the Syrian army had used toxic gases in northwestern Idlib last winter. A confidential report from this monitoring body indicated that during airstrikes by Syrian army helicopters using barrel bombs in Idlib, 'chlorine gas' was employed. The Secretary-General of the OPCW stated that his inspectors are investigating an area in Saraqib in Idlib and three other cases in the cities of Aleppo, Zabadani, and Al-Sakari (both controlled by rebels). The Syrian government has previously denied allegations of chemical weapon use in these areas. Damascus also claims that during recent rebel attacks on government-controlled areas in Aleppo, several citizens were hospitalized due to respiratory issues caused by chemical gas use. The parties involved in the Syrian civil war have been accused multiple times of using chemical weapons. Three years ago, during the use of chemical weapons in the Ghouta region, which left hundreds of victims, the US proposed a limited attack on Syria aimed at destroying its chemical arsenal. Ultimately, these attacks did not occur following a proposal from Moscow and Syria's agreement to destroy these weapons. Ahmet Uzumcu, the Secretary-General of the OPCW, stated that significant risks and security issues have hindered the destruction of part of the chemical arsenal declared by the Syrian government. Mr. Uzumcu also expressed doubts about the number and quantity of the declared weapons.